South Shore Theatricals perform 'Good Times Are Here to Stay' in Freeport

In a cast this talented, every number is a highlight.”

Bruce Bider, Producer and director of the South Shore Theatricals

Some of the musicals and movies featured in the South Shore Theatricals’ performance

•Du Barry Was A Lady (1939)

•On The Town (1944)

•The Bachelor (1954)

•Milk and Honey (1961)

•Robin and The 7 Hoods (1964)

•It’s a Bird (1966)

•Dames at Sea (1968)

•Annie (1976)

•Hairspray (1988)

The South Shore Theatricals, a musical theater group comprised of Long Island adults and children, held its first set of performances of “Good Times Are Here to Stay” this past weekend at the Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center in Freeport.

The first two of four total performances this year at Sparkle on Stage were held on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, leaving audiences thoroughly entertained by the feel-good songs and charming performances of the South Shore Theatrical performers. The performance is a musical revue of positive and uplifting songs from various Broadway musicals, Hollywood films and other American classics.

The show, co-produced by Bruce Bider, founder and leader of the South Shore Theatricals, and Robyn Workman, owner of Sparkle on Stage, featured a cast of 24 actors and three musicians, including Bider who played the piano. During the intermission of the Sunday performance, Bider expressed appreciation and satisfaction in the groups performances.

“In a cast this talented, every number is a highlight,” he said, adding that plans are already being formulated for the group to return to Sparkle on Stage next year and perform a different show.

One of the headlining cast members is Frank Basile, a professional opera singer who was a part of the U.S. Air Force Band Singing Sergeants and has performed at renowned venues, such as Carnegie Hall, and was the lead performer in the off-Broadway premiere of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” in 2022.

Joining Basile are adult performers Claudia Arroyo, Lauren Baker, Herald senior reporter Melissa Berman, Chrissy Castronuova, Brittany Ciriaco, Patricia Gallagher, Mara Kaplan, Kenny Kopolovicz, Randy Paul, Jacki Schwartz, Jody Siegel, Ed Trupper and Heidi Warm.

Teenage performers Marissa Auerbach, Jordana Brewer and Joseph Toppi also had memorable performances, including the first two’s duet rendition of “Friendship” from the 1939 musical “Du Barry Was A Lady.”

The youngest of the performers are Gabriella Ciriaco, Alia Haghighi, Eliana Haghighi, Liliya McHugh, Molly Polchinski, Luca Toppi and Rebecca Zydor. Alongside Bider on the piano are bass player Chris Rakeman and percussionist Joe Hopke.

Tickets to the final two shows on July 25 and 26 are available online at sparkleonstage.org and can be purchased at the door.